Just before the busy Memorial Day weekend, a skimming device has been found inside an ATM at a bank drive-through allegedly planted after hours in CNY.

A skimmer is a device that secretly swipes credit and debit card information when bank customers slip their cards in a card reader at a point of sale like a gas pump, ATM or a store.

New York State Police in Oneonta was notified that a skimming device was found inside the ATM at Community Bank, N.A. located at 4987 ST Hwy. 23, Oneonta. The device was found by a technician who was called to repair the ATM. It appears that the ATM’s security features may have immediately disabled the ATM, but it is still unknown whether any cards may have been compromised. If you're concerned about your accounts, you're encouraged to call your local branch.

Photo Via New York State Police
Photo Via New York State Police
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The skimming device was allegedly placed inside the ATM  by an unknown older white male wearing glasses, shorts, a ball cap, and a hooded sweatshirt. The same suspect was involved in a similar skimming device incident in Scranton, PA in February 2018.

Bank Senior VP/Retail Banking Hal Wentworth tells AllOtsego.com that bank policy is not to discuss security breaches publicly, but added, “We are cooperating with law enforcement on this ongoing investigation.”

You should always use caution when using a card reader at a point of sale. Credit cards are safer to use versus debit cards. Your debit card PIN is a necessary part of the crime, and the thieves steal it giving them access to your bank account. By using a credit card, fraudulent charges can be disputed without deductions from your bank account.

According to Visa, which supplies Community Bank’s debit cards, the zero-liability policy ensures customers will not be held accountable for fraudulent charges. “You’re protected if your Visa credit or debit card is lost, stolen or fraudulently used, online or offline,” Visa’s website states. [AllOtsego.com]

Anyone with information regarding the suspect is encouraged to contact the New York State Police in Oneonta at 607-432-4844.

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